In this article, we will take a look at the best retirement communities in Florida near the beach.
Florida has long been the leading destination for spring breaks and summer vacations for millions of Americans, but in recent years it has also emerged as one of their top picks for relocation.
Florida has continued to be the most popular destination for Americans leaving their native state for more than ten years.
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Long before the pandemic, there had already been a significant influx into the Sunshine State. More than 252,000 people migrated to Florida between July 2019 and July 2020, making it the state with the highest net migration for the fifth year running.
One-fifth of Florida’s population immigrated to the state before COVID, and approximately two-thirds of those people came from outside the country.
However, Florida saw a net increase of about 330,000 residents between April 2020 and April 2021 or around 903 people per day.
The state has received over $200 billion in investments and economic activity from other states over the past 20 years, demonstrating that positioning itself as a hub for migration has certainly paid off.
Why People are moving to Florida
Why then do people relocate to Florida? It’s partly due to the state’s low taxes, job possibilities, minimum regulations, and business-friendly administration, all of which help much lower- and middle-class Americans afford the expense of living.
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One of the least onerous regulatory environments in the nation is found in Florida. The Cato Institute gave it the top ranking for economic and personal freedoms in 2015, and it has remained there ever since. It received the No. 2 ranking for economic freedom among all North American jurisdictions from the Fraser Institute.
The average cost of a home in Florida is marginally less than the country as a whole due in part to the low regulatory burden and moderate governmental intervention in housing rules.
With a $1 trillion GDP and one of the most diverse economies in the nation, Florida is one of the nation’s strong economic powers. Because of this, seeking better employment prospects is one of the main reasons people relocate to the state.
The state is home to Disney World, Universal Studios (which includes Harry Potter World), and LegoLand, thus there is undoubtedly the tourism sector. However, the industry doesn’t even generate many jobs.
Because it is the location of the Kennedy Space Center, Florida boasts a thriving aviation and aerospace sector.
With more than 11,750 clean tech businesses registered in the state, it is also the home of a thriving clean technology sector. Having 46,000 healthcare facilities, it is also ranked second in the nation for pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing.
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The fact that Florida is one of just nine states without an income tax, makes it particularly appealing to upper-class households from places like New York and New Jersey, where the maximum individual income tax rates are 10.9% and 10.75%.
Low-income and middle-class families, who claim that their move to Florida is due to the low cost of living, are also drawn to it.
The state constitution forbids the state government from enforcing an income tax, therefore it’s unlikely that this will change anytime soon. Any new taxes or fees of any size must receive a two-thirds supermajority from the state House and Senate in order to be enacted.
Best Retirement Communities in Florida near the Beach
Because of their laid-back atmosphere, fantastic weather, and convenient access to both adventure and relaxation, we adore Florida’s seaside communities.
In actuality, the size, culture, and things to do in these beach towns in the Sunshine State vary a little, but what unites them all is their near proximity to sand and surf as well as their natural beauty.
These are some of the top beach towns in Florida to visit this year, whether you’re searching for a bustling location with lots of bars, a quiet private refuge, or something in between. Below are the best retirement communities in Florida near the beach.
Key West
Due to its location at the southernmost point of the United States, Key West gives visitors the impression that they are in another country entirely.
Key West is a very special destination with a lot of history, nightlife, and top-notch dining. Driving to the southernmost point of the Keys takes some time, but if you’re coming from another state, you may also fly into Key West.
Nevertheless, the route is quite picturesque, and it’s fun to stop at a few of the other keys on the way down.
While there are many things to do in Key West, renting a scooter and exploring the town’s seaside streets and stores with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair is one of the most enjoyable ways to take it all in.Â
Pass-a-Grille
Despite having a strange name for a town, Pass-a-Grille is a great place to explore near St. Pete Beach. The beach itself is gorgeous, and Pass-a-Grille has several quaint eateries and stores that help you escape the bustle of daily life.
This location on St. Pete Beach’s southernmost point is wonderfully laid-back. Enroll on a guided deep-sea fishing trip during your visit to Pass-a-Grille to see what you can catch!
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Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, which lies in the state’s northwest, truly embraces the classic feel of what it means to be a Florida beach town. There are hotels like the Margaritaville Beach Hotel that are decked with surfboards and Jimmy Buffett lyrics, and the beach is a stunning shade of white.
Rent a vintage beach cruiser bicycle and ride along the coastal roads to appreciate the place’s retro vibe. It’s fun to pull up to beach bars and have some rum- and fruit-flavored, celebratory day drinking. This beach town’s Southern warmth and charm make it stand out from the competition.
St. George Island
On St. George Island, a barrier island with 28-mile-long sand dunes and a landscape full of sea oats, there are neither high buildings nor chain stores. Take in the laid-back atmosphere in this hidden treasure where kayaking, cycling, and fishing are common wintertime outdoor activities.
Take a sunset boat to take in the stunning scenery from a distance, or simply unwind on the sugary soft sands while watching dolphins play in the ocean.
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Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach, a lovely community flanked by the Intracoastal Waterway on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west, is only a short drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg. It is not surprising that this region is favored by tourists of all ages given the area’s stunning white-sand beaches and the town’s abundance of independently owned restaurants, stores, and modest, family-friendly attractions.
Water sports are common daytime pursuits because being on the water and taking in breathtaking scenery is the ideal way to escape the stresses of everyday life.
Other best retirement communities in Florida near the beach are listed below:
- Naples
- Seaside
- Longboat Key
- Anna Maria Island
- Santa Rosa Beach
- Dunedin
- Siesta Key
- Sanibel Island
- Grayton Beach
- Destin
